Virgil van Dijk has delivered a transparent and measured message to Liverpool supporters forward of Burnley’s go to to Anfield, stressing that the Reds’ 11-game unbeaten run should be handled as a platform for progress moderately than a cause for consolation.
Liverpool enter the Premier League fixture in search of to keep up momentum after latest constructive outcomes, together with their FA Cup victory over Barnsley, with SoftFootball noting that the Burnley conflict represents one other essential check of consistency at residence.
The captain’s feedback additionally mirror the broader temper contained in the squad. Confidence has improved after a troublesome interval earlier within the season, and that renewed perception has been echoed by teammates within the build-up to the sport.
Kerkez has spoken in regards to the excessive power inside the group, however Van Dijk’s phrases underline that perception should be matched by management and self-discipline on the pitch. Writing within the matchday programme, Van Dijk first acknowledged the significance of momentum, particularly given Liverpool’s latest climb again into competition throughout competitions.
He defined in a publish shared by the membership’s official X account that the unbeaten run is one thing the squad can take encouragement from, however solely whether it is backed up by continued enchancment.
As he put it:
Momentum is a giant factor in soccer, and it’s important that we proceed to construct on our latest outcomes once we tackle Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
The Dutch defender then mirrored on how far the workforce has come since late November, declaring that the present run didn’t come simply. He emphasised that the gamers recognise the positives whereas remaining lifelike about their stage.
In his phrases:
To be 11 video games unbeaten in all competitions, particularly given the place we have been at a few months in the past, we have now to take as a constructive, and there have undoubtedly been indicators that we’re shifting in the correct course by way of our efficiency ranges.
Nonetheless, Van Dijk was cautious to clarify that outcomes alone don’t inform the complete story. He overtly addressed the areas that proceed to frustrate each gamers and supporters, notably moments the place Liverpool lose management of video games.
Laying that out clearly, he stated:
However no person right here is underneath any illusions. Even throughout this run, we have now seen the areas we have to enhance going ahead. We’ve got conceded late objectives, we have now allowed groups again into video games once we ought to have taken management, and we have now not all the time managed to keep up our ranges for 90+ minutes.
He additionally defined why that honesty issues contained in the dressing room. In keeping with Van Dijk, recognising flaws isn’t an indication of weak spot however a vital step towards progress.
That perception was mirrored when he added:
We’re sincere sufficient to confess that, however we’re additionally conscious simply how troublesome every sport is, and the way arduous we have now to work for every victory.
The captain used Liverpool’s latest FA Cup tie for instance, noting that Barnsley’s fearless strategy highlighted why no opponent could be underestimated. SoftFootball reported that the Reds superior with a 4-1 win, but Van Dijk felt the competition confirmed each high quality and vulnerability.
He defined:
They got here to Anfield and so they confirmed no concern… They deserve loads of credit score for the way in which they carried out on the night time.
Waiting for Burnley, Van Dijk harassed that endurance, teamwork, and decision-making will likely be essential. He acknowledged the expectations that include enjoying at Anfield, assuring followers that the gamers perceive their duty. His closing message was easy however agency, promising whole dedication as Liverpool look to take one other step ahead by constructing correctly on their unbeaten run.
